Model tested: Toyota iQ3 1.33 with stop/start
Price: £11,615
Date tested: November 2009
Road tester: Adrian Hearn

The Toyota iQ is the world's smallest four-seater and is billed as a premium city car. It's now available with a 1.33-litre engine but does it need it?

We love the Toyota iQ. Despite being less than three metres long, its revolutionary seating system means it can comfortably accommodate three adults and at a squeeze seat four.

Then there's its look; the iQ is a car for the iPhone generation - quirky and cool, but still functional. It's shorter than the original Mini but much wider, making it genuinely practical.

A measly 32-litre boot means you'll have to use the back seat for carrying luggage, essentially turning the iQ into a 3+1 - but how often will you have two in the back?

We've just driven the 1.33-litre stop/start model which has 97bhp and 90lb/ft of pulling power - up from the 67bhp offered in the 1-litre model.

As a result, it will accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds and hit 106mph, up from 14.7 seconds and 93mph. However, it doesn't feel much nippier in its natural surrounding - the city. It's more targeted towards motorway speeds but the iQ isn't the sort of car which will be frequently tackling the M40.

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The iQ rolls through corners and tight roundabouts, but the high roof line means taller people can be accommodated, although 6ft 3 is probably the maximum occupant height.

The stop/start (which shuts off the engine when stationary in neutral) means the iQ emits 113g/km and has a claimed average fuel economy of 58.9mpg, although we averaged around 40mpg after a week of driving.

Aston Martin is building a super-premium city car based on the iQ which, if it happens, will be sold exclusively to Aston customers.

Aston Martin told Auto Trader the iQ was the best option thanks to its layout and overall quality. They're right; it's comfortable, is well built and has an overall premium feel. There are also nine airbags and a five-star EuroNCAP rating.

There's no doubting the iQ is an impressive little car; and the new engine does progress it further - but with a basic price of £11,615 rising to £14,715 for the top-spec model it's as expensive as it is cool.

If you want a practical premium city car to drive round town buy the 1-litre model. If you need to drive on a motorway or dual-carriageway buy a Ford Fiesta. Sometimes it's better to have a lower iQ…